Bank holiday blues? UK escapes for the next long weekend!

Bank holiday blues? Us, too. Don’t worry, though, there’s another one just around the corner! And that extra Monday off is a perfect excuse to escape everyday life and indulge in a little adventure.

Perhaps it’s time to leave those DIY projects and spring cleaning for another weekend, and make the most of that extra day. After all, the next bank holiday isn’t until August…

A pampering spa retreat

Cowley Manor, Cotswolds

Escape from the daily grind and recharge at the beautiful Cowley Manor. Nestled in 55 acres of countryside, this spectacular 30-bedroom country house has an award-winning spa and exquisite grade II-listed grounds to explore. Inside the hotel, there’s splashes of vibrant colour, contemporary furniture and unique artwork to gaze at.

And the spa? We think the treatments at the C-Side spa are a must-try if you’re staying here! (There’s a sauna, steam room, gym and two heated pools to indulge in, too). And the aromatic Green & Spring skincare and rejuvenating massages and facials should leave you ready to face the working week again!

An action-packed city adventure

Hotel Gotham, Manchester

Tucked moments away from Manchester’s bustling, main shopping street, this sumptuous 60-bedroom hotel is a spectacular cosmopolitan bolthole. Some of the city’s finest dining spots are within 5 minutes’ walk (don’t miss tapas at El Gato Negro) and you can easily wander to Manchester’s museums, galleries and shops.

The listed Art Deco building once housed a bank and the magnificent, imposing façade was designed by the renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Don’t imagine it’s all dark wood and marble though – once through the gold and black glass door, this is a hotel with a decadent, playful streak. Think: opulent hot pink velvet chairs, geometric print flooring, and witty takes on late 1920s banking culture (spot bowler hats on display in the restaurant and money bag-style laundry bags in the rooms)

A (luxe) camp beneath the stars

Crafty Camping, Dorset

Like the idea of sleeping under the stars but can’t face soggy sleeping bags and lumpy ground? It’s time to go glamping! Snuggle up on your kingsize bed with down bedding. Curl up in the chair next to the wood burner to read your book. Gaze at the night sky, tipple in hand, from your hand-carved woodland dining table. And amongst the brilliant facilities at the adults-only Crafty Campsite are flushing toilets, hot showers, and a communal kitchen. Oh, and you’ll also find a pizza oven and sauna-in-a-yurt, too!

Tucked away in picturesque Dorset woodland, the luxe yurts and bell tents are ideal if you’re in need of a tranquil break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can also book onto a variety of green woodwork courses, so you can carve a bowl or spoon (or make a chair if you’re an experiences woodworker) and take it home as a souvenir from your stay.

A farm hideaway

Humble by Nature (Upper Meend Farm), Nr Monmouth

Pull on your wellies, it’s time for a rural Welsh retreat – and to explore life on a working farm!

Nestled in the picturesque Wye Valley, this working farm is home to Welsh Mountain Sheep, Hereford cattle and three charming places to stay, The Piggery, The Humble Hideaway, and The Hayloft.

The farm also offers a dazzling array of courses, from smallholding and animal husbandry courses to lessons in foraging. Foodie? Learn how to cure bacon. DIY enthusiast? Try your hand at dry stone walling. Always wanted your own smallholding? Spend a day finding out what it’s really like. Or simply relax and wander through the beautiful countryside!

The beautifully decorated Georgian townhouse has four bedrooms on the upper two floors of the house. Expect elegant, understated design in muted earth tones and a contemporary feel that’s both cosy and chic. As the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Edinburgh with rooms, we think it’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in a weekend of exquisite food whilst exploring the stunning city!

Desperately seeking sunshine? Click here to find out our top 5 destinations for May sunshine!

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